Where to Eat and Shop in Taiwan

When you travel internationally, you tend to aspire for a country that’s different from your own. Taiwan is surely less populated than India and is safe even at late hours. Taiwan is located in the western Pacific Ocean 160 km (100 miles) off the southeastern coast of the Chinese mainland and is a convenient gateway to Asia for the Indian traveler.

A number of airlines such as China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern and Thai Airways fly directly or with a stopover, into the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the Kaohsiung International Airport and the Taichung International Airport from the Indian metros.

We flew with Cathay Pacific and our Stopover was Hongkong. But do you know that’s it’s illegal to carry Pepper Spray in Hongkong? Yes, you read that right and moreover, you can get arrested because of that. Thank our stars that we somehow just received the last warning! If you have never traveled to Taiwan before then here are some guidelines for VISA application: Indian Passport holders can enjoy Visa-exempt entry into Taiwan for 30 days via an online system.

The applicant must have at least one of the following valid or expired visas issued by UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand or any of the Schengen countries. Also, the best time to Visit Taiwan is in March and April, as it’s spring there. J We primarily went for the Taiwan Lantern Festival that was to be celebrated from 2nd March to 11th March 2018. For the first time, it presented itself via water, on the land, and in the air.

In my personal opinion, it was not what I had expected. I had that Instagram vision of flying lanterns over and above the water. Rather it was quite the opposite. It was majorly beautiful lit animatic designed lamp figures.

Other than experiencing Lantern Festival, we also had a great time at the Night Markets. As Taiwan turns to night, the country dazzles with the sprawling night markets attracting tourists from all over the world. Bustling with intense energy, night markets are the great place to shop for bargains, to eat out at authentic restaurants. Easy on the pocket, a wide variety of goods include clothes, household items, watches, toys, jewelry and much more at budget-friendly prices. Just a simple stroll inside the night market will lead you to try mouthwatering food items.

Among the famous Night Markets to try out include the Keelung Temple Night Market open for 24 hours a day, Shihlin Night Market, the largest night markets in Taipei centered around Yangming Theater and consists of many different shops and stalls. You will also love Tainan Flowers Night Market and Liouhe Tourist Night Market.

You can find a great deal at some of the stalls. We were thrilled to find good quality clothes at throwaway prices. Some small boutiques had clothes that match the quality of designer brands like Zara and when compared in terms of pricing, it’s even less than half.

When it comes to food, you must definitely try their Bubble Tea. Not all street vendors serve the best, so if one glass disheartens you, do try the next one. 😉

Other than Bubble Tea, we also tried their Famous Hot Pot and well, I must say, it’s a must try. There may be a chance that you don’t like the taste but the concept in itself is worth an applause. PS: If you are a vegetarian, you can have a difficulty in satiating your stomach. As even in vegetarian food there is an unfavorable taste.

Not only that but if you are a strawberry fan, then you must visit Tai Ye Red Maple Resort as they organize Strawberry picking tours. What’s best than to pick fresh strawberries from the farm and gulp it? Stay tuned, Until Next Post

About us

Aanchal Goel is a literature Student by heart, Marketer by attitude and a Fashion blogger by passion. Her blog explores her personal style and tells the reader how to make style statements even out of something that is overlooked by most of us.